God gave us pastors and teachers to feed our minds with the knowledge of the truth so we could grow in wisdom and understanding. With complete patience, those who receive a call from the Lord teach the Word of God. We understand neither pastors nor teachers are beyond sin, but they must study and show themselves as an example of good works. Teachers must teach God’s Word simplistically with godly sincerity, not fleshly wisdom and pride.
When we believe it is possible to stumble, we prepare ourselves for the challenge. When we train ourselves, even if we struggle, we rise again. Teachers must prepare by studying the Word of God. And only then can we understand and speak what is good and helpful, with words encouraging to those who hear them (Eph. 4:29). For some to overcome the power of the tongue, there is an ongoing battle with pride, greed, envy, and lust. What I say is not a personal judgment, Scripture says: “We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2, NKJV). We are not there yet; none of us born of a woman on this side of heaven are there yet.
Humans need to beware of the small things that make it a challenge to achieve perfection and holiness in this life and thus restrain our entire body. We must never grow weary of becoming the humans God created to be holy. We can become kind and thoughtful human beings as the Lord works on us.
We might deliberately say hateful and hurtful words to others, but with God, we can overcome this tendency to speak before thinking. We might allow false teachers and Satan’s disciples to brainwash (mold and indoctrinate) us into groups and cults. God prepares us for the challenge if we stay alert and ward off unwanted and ungodly intrusions into our minds. If we lose control of our minds, we follow the heart. Scripture says our heart is deceitful in many ways. But the Word of God is living and active, and we can use it to discern the intentions of the heart and everything that flows from it.
Everything we say and do depends on what we believe and how deeply we believe it. Paul told the Corinthians that saints, including teachers, must “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58, NKJV). We are working toward perfection because Scripture tells us that His sacrifice perfected forever those who are undergoing sanctification (Hebrews 10:14). You have free will, and things you encounter are great and small, so “while waiting for these things, make every effort to be without spot or blemish in his sight” (2 Pet. 3:14). Prepare for the challenge as our hearts are transforming.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
